Kukla's Korner Hockey

The decision to hire Carlyle might be the most important coaching decision made in Toronto since Cliff Fletcher hired Pat Burns in 1992. What he's managed with the Leafs, in concert with Nonis, over 17 games is nothing short of improbable.

Before this season began, after the lockout, Nonis met with the Leafs players and so did Carlyle. The meetings were separate but the tone was similar.

"We made it clear to players going in, that on any given evening, players who gave us the best chance to win, regardless of their contract, were going to play. This is something we agreed upon and have followed through on.

"It was important that every player knew this. It was a position we felt was important for us to take. We wanted transparency and accountability from everyone. If you say that and then you don't act on it, you'll lose the room. When we told them how it was going to be, I believe it's important that we stand true to our words. If they see the opposite, they won't believe in anything you say.